{freezing..choc pb bananas}

A nest of pearls favorite!

I made these amazing frozen peanut butter, chocolate banana bites just in time... for another cold snap from mother nature. It was 75 here the other day, and I got really excited! I had a great run in the morning, and kept trying to find excuses to pop outside all day. Mother nature was hot, and now she's cold.

I'm doing pretty well on my 100 miles by Valentines day challenge, but I know I won't make it. I'm hovering around 50 miles. I'm really surprised how well I've been keeping up with working out while I'm in school. Last semester was such a challenge! I'm so grateful for finding more inner peace during this semester. With changes going on with work, and another group project this semester, I really don't want to get stressed out.

I'm also trying to take more time to appreciate my Better Half. I'm trying to cook for us more, and make sure we're eating healthy. It's also saving us money, which we are trying really hard to do. Isn't every young couple trying to do this?  Saving for big things like cars, a house, and the list goes on, just seems impossible.

On a happier note, I'm getting close to finalizing a big trip in May! My sweetheart won't be joining me, which I'm pretty sad about. I'll be sure to spill the beans in a few weeks when everything is more set in stone!


Here's a recipe, I'll be sure to share again in the summer!

ingredients.
banana (however many you want)
Peanut Butter (I used smucker's all natural)
chocolate chips

I.

Slice the bananas, so that there are small round circles. Place some peanut butter on top. You'll place these in the freezer for a few hours. 

II. 

Before pulling the banana peanut butter pieces out, pull out your double boiler or makeshift double boiler.  

{I take a sauce pan, fill it with a few inches of water and place a heat-safe bowl on top of the sauce pan. The bowl shouldn't be a perfect fit, make sure there is some space between the pot and bowl for steam. You'll heat the water on medium/medium low.} 

Put the chocolate in the double boiler, and keep stirring. 

III.

Dip the banana bites in the chocolate. If you don't cover the whole bite with chocolate, it's ok. It will still taste and freeze well. Keep them in the freezer, and enjoy often!

{3 Fav Ingredients & Pick-me-up Pancakes}

Best friends: Chia, Flaxseed, Brown Rice Protein

These are my three favorite ingredients right now. Chia seeds, ground flaxseed, and brown rice protein.

I love to sneak chai into salads, pesto, and any kind of recipe where they are discrete. They don't have much of a taste, but they are omega-3, antioxidants, and the list of benefits just goes on forever!

Flaxseed and brown rice protein are part of my favorite pancake recipe! I'm trying to complete a Tone It Up challenge: walk/run 100 miles by Valentine's Day. Lots of protein is key for energy! I'm doing well on my goal, just shy of 30 miles. Unfortunately it has been so cold, I haven't been able to log more miles.

Back on track, I don't post many breakfast recipes because this is what I usually eat.I know they sound weird at first, but you should really give them a try!! I first discovered them when I started getting into the Tone It Up plan last spring, and I haven't stopped since!

ingredients.
1/4 c  egg whites {I usually use the whole egg, I don't like to waste}
1/2 banana, mashed
1 scoop or 3 tbsp of brown rice protein {Found mine at GNC}
1/2 tbsp ground flax seed
1/4 c blueberries {I skip this and sprinkle in chia seeds or slice the other 1/2 banana on top when done}

I.

Spray pan with non stick spray. 

Mix the ingredients very well, and pour evenly into a medium-high heated pan. 

Flip & enjoy!

If the pancake breaks, just scramble it up! Make sure that the batter is poured evenly, and not too thick or it will take too long to cook through and one side will burn. 

There are endless possibilities with these pancakes! Check out the Tone It Up website for more recipes, and their recipes book has tons of options too.  

Time to start thinking up Valentine's Day ideas! Any cute decoration, dinner, or date ideas? 

I can't wait!